Like all WBSS action, the Gassiev-Dorticos card will air live in Canada, starting at 2 p.m. ET, exclusively on Super Channel.

The Gassiev-Dorticos winner will advance this May to the WBSS championship final in Saudi Arabia, to fight WBO/WBC world champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), winner of this past Saturday’s WBSS semifinals match against Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs). The WBSS’Muhammad Ali Trophy winner will become the first world cruiserweight champion to hold all four major championship belts at the same time.

Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

The 23-year-old Gassiev captured his International Boxing Federation (IBF) crown a year ago with a 12-round split decision victory over three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1). In the WBSS quarterfinals, Gassiev knocked out two-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his initial world title defense.

Dorticos is a well-schooled fighter,” Gassiev noted. “”He has many amateur fights, good speed, and fast hands. He is a great opponent and I have prepared for 12 tough rounds.

“The World Boxing Super Series is a great tournament that gives me the opportunity to unify all the cruiserweight titles. On Saturday, I am going to take another step towards that dream in front of my proud countrymen.”

A Cuban defector who now lives in Miami, Florida, Dorticos stopped interim World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight champion Youri Kalenga (22-2) in the 10th round of their 2016 fight, and he was later elevated to “regular” WBA world champion. Dorticos put Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) to sleep in the second round of their WBSS quarterfinals match.

“I’m ready to show Gassiev what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before. I want to take his belt. In other words; Gassiev is my next victim. I am preparing my body and soul for the most important fight in my career. Because the only thing I’m going to accept is the victory.

“I have worked hard to be able to be a part of this tournament, I have worked hard to be able to prove that I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I believe I am the best in the world, and I can’t wait to fight again and show the fans all over the world once again what ‘The KO Doctor’ is about.”

Six fights, including four championship matches on the “Gassiev vs. Dorticos” card, which is promoted by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.

To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight World Champion is a

two-time Ukrainian Olympian, who captured gold medals at the 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championships, twice defeating current International Boxing Federation (IBF) Light Heavyweight World Champion Artur Beterbiev, the two-time Russian Olympian now based in Montreal.

“I am going to entertain the crowd at the Arena Riga,” Usyk said. “That I can promise! I have worked on some new thing and Saturday you will see what I’m talking about.”

Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion, will be fighting in his hometown in front of an expected crowd of 10,000.

“My team is doing everything to take pressure off my shoulders,” Briedis commented. “We are just concentrating on the fight. My dream is to deliver a fight that can go into the Boxing Hall of Fame.”

The Usyk-Briedis world title unification winner will advance to the WBSS championship final in May to fight the winner of the other WBSS semifinals match, Feb. 3 in Russia, between IBF World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs).

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Five exciting fights on the “Usyk vs. Briedis” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.

To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

Super Channelis a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.

Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience. With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.

EDMONTON, Canada (January 22, 2018) – Super Channel, the No. 1 destination network for Canadian boxing fans, will air the upcoming semifinals of the popular World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, featuring world-class cruiserweight and super middleweight divisions action, live from various venues in Europe.

Super Channel acquired exclusive rights in Canada to air the entire WBSS tournament from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

“We are thrilled that the WBSS is returning to Super Channel for exclusive Canadian coverage of the highly anticipated semifinals,” said Troy Wassill, Director of Programming, Domestic Distributors and Sports. “I have no doubt that every single bout is going to deliver exciting, must-see action for boxing fans, as these world-class fighters compete to see who is going to go head-to-head for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.”

WBSSis a revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament featuring the world’s best boxers and a total of $50 million in prize money. The knockout format of the competition will see the best boxers ultimately compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, the greatest prize in boxing. The tournament is organized by newly-founded Comosa AG, a Swiss-registered company with principal owners Highlight Event & Entertainment, Modern Times Group and Team Sauerland. Comosa AG is working in partnership with boxers, promoters and managers around the world, and in alignment with the four major world boxing federations, to create a new global platform for the sport.

The first of its kind tournament, which is planned to take place on an annual basis, kicked off this past September with quarterfinals competition in two divisions, cruiserweight and super middleweight. An expert panel invited the world’s best boxers to compete, namely the top 15-ranked fighters of the four major federations: WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the championship round in both divisions this May.

Below find the WBSS semifinals schedule and a preview of the four matches and eight fighters who survived the quarterfinals:

The two winners in the cruiserweight semifinals will become the first unified world cruiserweight champion since Evander Holyfield in 1987. The eventual WBSS cruiserweight world champion will become the first ever to hold all four major sanctioning body titles – WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO — at the same time.

The four cruiserweight semifinalists, who represent four different countries, have a combined record of 83-0 with 68 knockouts. They are also the top three and fifth-highest ranked cruiserweights in the world by The Ring magazine’s independent ratings.

CRUISERWEIGHT SEMIFINALISTS

OLEKSANDR USYK: Captured the WBO cruiserweight world title January 17, 2016, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision over undefeated, defending champion Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0).

WBSS: In his third WBO title defense, he stopped former two-time WBO world champion Marco Huck (40-4-1) in the 11th round.

Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1), defeated Glowacki and Huck

MAIRIS BRIEDIS: He became WBC world cruiserweight champion April 1, 2017, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Huck.

WBSS: Won a 12-round unanimous decision from Mike Perez (22-2-1) in his first title defense.

Note: Former professional kickboxer…..also the reigning IBA world cruiserweight champion.

World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (0 KOs)

Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1 KO), defeated Huck & Manuel Charr

MURAT GASSIEV: Won a 12-round split decision December 3, 2016 against three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1) to capture the IBF title.

WBSS: Knocked out former 2-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his first title defense.

Note: Now lives in Big Bear, California, which is known for its rugged training center in the mountains.

World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (1 KO)

Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1 KO), defeated Lebedev & Wlodarczysk

YUNIER DORTICOS: Knocked out interim WBA cruiserweight Youri Kalenga (22-2) May 20, 2016 in the 10th round and later upgraded to “regular” WBA world champion.

WBSS: Stopped Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) in the second round of his first world title defense.

Note: Defected to the USA from Cuba, where he was a member of the famed Cuban National Team, and he lives and trains in Miami, Florida.

World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (2 KOs)*

Record vs. current or former world champions: 1-0 (1 KO)*, defeated Kalenga

*includes interim WBA title fight

The super middleweight semifinal round is like a Battle of Britain with three Brits – George Groves,Chris Eubank, Jr. and Callum Smith – and German Juergen Braehmer. All four are ranked among The Ring magazine’s top 10.

SUPER MIDDELEWEIGHT SEMIFINALISTS

GEORGE GROVES: Knocked out defending world champion Fedor Chudinov (14-1) on May 27, 2017 in the sixth round to capture the WBA super middleweight world title.

WBSS: Stopped previously undefeated Jaime Cox in the fourth round.

Note: All three of his career pro losses have been to world champions Carl Froch twice and Badou Jack.

World Title Fight Record: 2-3 (2 KOs)

Record vs. current or former world champions: 3-3 (1 KO), defeated

James DeGale, Glen Johnson & Chudinov.

CHRIS EUBANK, JR.: Crowned IBO super middleweight champ February 4, 2017, when he knocked out Renold Quinlan (11-1) in the 10th round, and successfully defended his title July 15, 2017 with a 12-round unanimous decision win over 3-time, 2-division world champion Arthur Abraham (46-5).

WBSS: Defended his IBO belt with a third-round knockout of Avni Yildirim (16-0).

Note: The son of 2-time, 2-division world champion Chris Eubank, who manages his son’s career.

World Title Fight Record: 3-0 (2 KOs)*

Record vs. current or former world champions: 1-0 (0 KOs), defeated Abraham.

*includes 3 IBO world title fights

JUERGEN BRAEHMER: Former WBA and WBO light heavyweight champion of the world who dropped down one weight class for the WBSS tournament.

WBSS: Won a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten American Rob Brant(22-0).

Note: Hadn’t fought as a super middleweight in 10-years prior to the WBSS quarterfinals…30-1 (24 KOs) as a super middleweight and he avenged his lone loss…. two other career losses were to world champions Hugo Hernan Garay and Nathan Cleverly….at 39 the oldest WBSS semifinalist.

World Title Fight Record: 9-1 (6 KOs)*

Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-2 (0 KOs), defeated Javier Velasquez &Enzo Maccarinelli

CALLUM SMITH: The least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, in addition to being the youngest WBSS semifinalist at the age of 27.

Note: Has three brothers who are also pro boxers: Paul, Stephen and Liam….the holder of numerous regional titles including WBC International, Silver and Diamond, as well as European super middleweight champion.

To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

EDMONTON, Canada (October 25, 2017) – The final quarterfinals round match-up of the entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament is on tap this Friday when former two-time world light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer faces undefeated challenger Rob “Bravo” Brant, airing exclusively in Canada on Super Channel, live from Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany.

The “Braehmer vs. Brant” card, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT,completes live quarterfinals coverage of the WBSS tournament for Canadian boxing fans, exclusively on Canada’s boxing destination network, Super Channel, which acquired the rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

The 39-year-old Braehmer (48-3, 35 KOs) is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world light heavyweight champion who has dropped down in weight to compete in the WBSS super middleweight tournament.

The hard-hitting German is 9-1 in world title fights and the skilled southpaw has defeated two world champions, Hector Javier Velazco and Enzo Maccarinelli. Braehmer will also have the advantage of fighting Brant at home.

“I am very excited that this bout is going to take place in my hometown of Schwerin,” Braehmer said. “In short, I cannot wait to start my journey to win the Ali Trophy. I feel good, top motivated. “I am not underestimating Brant, but I am in this tournament to win it. At the age of 39, this is my last chance to achieve something big, and I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.”

(L-R) — Juergen Braehmer & Rob Brant

Brant (22-0, 15 KOs), fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, was the only American boxer selected to compete in the WBSS. Unlike Braehmer, however, Brant has moved up one weight class to participate in the WBSS tournament. He is the reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) middleweight champion.

“Braehmer is well accomplished and a proven boxer worldwide with star power in his own country,” the 27-year-old underdog Brant noted. “I have no problem going into his backyard for a fight, he is a seeded fighter in this tournament.

“I feel this is a pure crossroads fight containing a proven well-known fighter toward the end of his career against a hot prospect looking to make his name in the sport. I feel confident in winning this fight as does everybody in my training circle. After researching Schwerin, I am excited to compete in such a beautiful and historic city.

“Juergen has done it all, seen it all, but he hasn’t fought me. I am very confident that I will win on Friday. I have to be sharp mentally, but I feel in better shape than ever in every way. I know it’s a cliché to say that, but on Friday the crowd and the world will see what I am talking about.”

The Braehmer-Brant winner will advance to the WBSS semifinals early next year for a world title shot against unbeaten Brit Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), who last month won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), of Sweden, in their WBSS quarterfinals match.

Five exciting matches on the “Braehmer vs. Brant” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel. The Braehmer vs. Brant 12-round main event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

Greg Cohen, promoter of middleweight/super middleweight contender Rob Brant, says his undefeated fighter is headed for a “changing of the guard” fight against Juergen Braehmer.

Brant (22-0, 15 KOs) and Braehmer (48-3, 35 KOs) will meet on Friday October 27, at the Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany, as part of the World Boxing Super Series’ super middleweight division.

The 38-year-old Braehmer is a long-time light heavyweight world champion, who hasn’t fought at super middleweight in a decade. A star in his native Germany, where the fight is taking place, Braehmer seems to be on the tail end of a distinguished career.

27-year-old Brant, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the dark horse in this tournament. With comparatively much fewer professional titles and accomplishments thus far in his career, Brant would seem to be taking a huge risk with his undefeated career.

Not so, says Cohen.

“We think Robert Brant is going to win this whole tournament,” said Cohen. “You have the perfect ‘changing of the guard’ type of fight here: an undefeated young buck against an aging former champion.”

But, says Cohen, there are some hidden factors at play in this fight.

“Braehmer is coming down in weight for the fist time in eight or nine years and hasn’t fought since losing his title via TKO stoppage late last year. Meanwhile, Rob has shown constant improvement in each of his fights over the past few years. He’s a world-class fighter on the verge of becoming a household name.”

So confident was Team Brant that Cohen says they have no problem going into the old lion’s den to fight.

“Rob doesn’t care where they fight. He knows he’s got too much for Braehmer. This fight will be his FORMAL introduction to the boxing world. He’s in top shape and ready for anything coming his way. After this fight, Rob Brant will no longer be the secret wild card of the tournament. He’s going to win the whole thing.”

No one is watching tomorrow night’s fight for the vacant WBA World middleweight title between Japan’s Ryota Murata #2-rated and France’s #1-rated Hassan N’Dam, at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan, more closely than WBA #3 contender Rob “Bravo” Brant and his promoter, Greg Cohen.

Brant (22-0, 15 KOs), of Saint Paul, Minnesota, is mandated by the WBA to face the winner within 120 days.

The fight, which will be Brant’s first for a world championship, will be the culmination of a fantastic 2016-2017, that saw him win the WBA-NABA Middleweight Championship via spectacular knockout over Decarlo Perez in January of last year and then go on to defend it successfully twice more.

Cohen, whose expert guidance has led Brant to fighting on national television numerous times while gaining a large following of fans, especially in his home state, says he’s probably more excited for Brant than he is.

“Rob is a special fighter and an outstanding person and I’m so happy for him,” said Cohen. “He has worked so hard to get here and after tomorrow night, he’ll know who he’s facing for his first world title. I have always believed in Rob Brant and I know he’ll be victorious when the day comes. He’s a winner. That’s what he does.”

Nutley, NJ (March 14, 2017) – World ranked middleweight Antoine Douglas returned to action after a year layoff by stopping Pablo Munguia in the 5th round in a scheduled six-round bout in Charenton, Louisiana.

Douglas of Washington, D.C. was making his first start since March 5, 2016 got back in the win column.

The 24 year-old raised his mark to 20-1-1 with 14 knockouts, and is ranked number-12 by the WBC,

Douglas is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

“This was a good way to comeback for Antoine,” said GH3 Promotions promoter Vito Mielnicki.

“We wanted to bring him back in March. Antoine has been fighting regularly since he was 11 years-old, so the layoff was needed and good. We moved him fast as he fought 21 times in 4 years. It was the first time that he was able to take a step back. Despite what happened in his fight with Khurtzsidze, we still believe is a future world champion. The fight with Khurtsidze was a learning experience for all of us, from he fighter to the trainers to me the promoter. This whole thing should be about Antoine Douglas and no one else. He is still just 24 years old and his best boxing is ahead of him. We will have him in a few more of these learning fights, and then look for him to be back knocking on a big fight by August.”

“We have a good team around him with his trainers Dennis Porter, Kevin Smalls and Kay Koroma. We just added Joseph Karoma as the strength and conditioning coach.”

“I want to thank Greg Cohen for help getting us on the card in Louisiana.”

Douglas will be back in on action on March 27th, in the Dominican Republic, when he takes on Eduardo Mercedes (32-16, 27 KO’s) for the WBC Fecarbox title.

“I would be more than happy to fight Terry Flanagan,” said Menard. “It would be a great fight. He’s a skillful southpaw, but he is touchable. With my power, that makes for a cat and mouse-type fight. I think sooner or later I would catch up with him.”

Menard (32-1, 24 KOs) of Rayne, Louisiana, was last seen taking out the capable Bahodir Mamadjonov in nine rounds in the co-main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation broadcast from Rochester, New York last Friday night. Before that, the 27-year-old scored a “Knockout of the Year” candidate over then undefeated Eudy Bernardo.

“He’s a star in the making with all the momentum in the world behind him,” said Menard’s promoter, Greg Cohen. “Mason is now the WBO NABO Champion and climbing up their ratings. Now that Felix Verdejo (whom Flanagan was supposed to fight) has been injured, I think Menard stepping in would make for a great match-up.”

However, Menard says he has his doubts that Manchester’s Flanagan will take the bait.

“Let’s just be real, after what I did to the last skillful southpaw (Mamadjonov) with only two weeks’ notice, I doubt he wants these problems.”

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is happy to announce he will be teaming up with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ) to continue his successful “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” series of boxing shows.

GCP and RJJ will be co-promoting a nationally televised, world-class event at least once a month for the next 12 months, beginning with their debut on February 19, 2016, at the WinnaVegas Casino & Resort in Sloane, Iowa.

Specific match-ups will be announced soon.

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and DISH Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

“I could not be happier about teaming up with such a first-rate promotional outfit as Roy Jones Jr Boxing and their team to present 12-15 outstanding boxing shows in the next 12 months,” said Greg Cohen. “We’ve had great success with last year’s CBS Sports Network shows, but the addition of such a world-renowned name as Roy Jones adds a strong element of greatness to each presentation. And the addition of the RJJ stable of fighters makes the possibility for several exciting match-ups. I am proud to be affiliated with CBS Sports Network and especially my close business associates at RJJ.”

“I am extremely honored to work with such a reputable network such as CBS and distinguished partner, Greg Cohen,” stated Keith Veltre, CEO of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions. “CBS will no doubt bring more recognition to both our companies, worldwide. I am excited about this new avenue to showcase the RJJ roster to the boxing world. My thanks to Greg Cohen and the team at CBS Sports and I look forward to being part of this exciting series of shows, as a promoter and as a lifelong fan of boxing.”

GCP began the “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” series last year in April and has already featured world-class fighters such as current interim WBA World Lightweight Champion Ismael Barroso, former world title challengers Lateef “Power” Kayode, “Hurricane” Dennis Hogan, and lightweight contender Tony “Lightning” Luis.

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

A local celebrity and boxing staple in the Bay Area, the charismatic Mayfield has already beaten former world champion Mauricio Herrera, as well as then-undefeated Raymond Serrano. He won the NABO Super Lightweight Championship in 2011 and defended it successfully twice.

The 24-year-old has also served as a sparring partner for world champions Manny Pacquiao, Antonio Margarito, and Sergio Mora. Mayfield came to boxing late, at age 20, but won 54 of his 58 amateur fights before going on a tear as a professional.

“I am excited to be signing with GCP and look forward to being back in action early in 2016,” said Mayfield. “This will give me the opportunity to fight some of the top fighters in the world. I am hard at work preparing, wearing my army fatigues, ready to go duck hunting next year.”

Greg Cohen, his new promoter, says Mayfield makes a very welcome addition to the GCP stable of fighters.

“Karim has amazing natural abilities and the personality to become a crossover star,” said Cohen. “I’m very happy he’s chosen us to help guide his career. We’re going to get him back in the ring often, let him sharpen up his amazing skills and then the sky is the limit for this young man.”

Cohen says he will announce Mayfield’s first appearance under the GCP banner very soon.